Patriots links 7/16/26: Summer spotlight on safety

TEAM TALK

• Mike Dussault’s Patriots position snapshot: Safeties. Roster, analysis. Bottom line: Kevin Byard is a game-changing upgrade for the secondary, while Craig Woodson is on an exciting trajectory. Together, they could be an elite tandem that impacts the game at all levels.
• Training Camp Preview: Safeties. Mike Dussault, Evan Lazar and Paul Perillo break it all down. (8 min.)
• Player Polls: Drake Maye blind ranks condiments and Marcus Jones blind ranks potatoes. (1 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Ethan Hurwitz’ Patriots 2026 Safety Preview: Youth, wisdom highlight top pairing.
• Meghan Ottolini identifies 3 Patriots to watch for a breakout season: S Craig Woodson, TE Eli Raridon and C Jared Wilson.
• Ethan Hurwitz raises three massive questions at WR the Pats need to answer this summer.
• Meghan Ottolini suggests 3 things to watch at minicamp: Will Christian Gonzalez hold in? WR room dynamics and Gabe Jacas’ debut.
• Michael Hurley makes the case for Patriots keeping Kayshon Boutte.
• Hector Longo explains why keeping Marcus Jones on field is a top priority for the defense.
• Patriots On SI ranks the top 25 Patriots of 2026. No. 10 S Kevin Byard‘s experience will pay off.
• Mark Morse’s Patriots position analysis: 2026 Coaching staff. “The Patriots’ 2026 coaching staff that led the team to a Super Bowl appearance has remained incredibly intact from last season.”
• Patriots Daily podcast: Taylor Kyles and Mike Kadlick discuss the top offense storylines heading into Patriots training camp. (10 min.)
• Pats Interference podcast: Andrew Callahan talks four things that would define a successful camp for Drake Maye; More. (15 min.)
• All-32 NFL podcast: Mike Giardi & Andy Hart discuss who makes the leap this year for the Pats. (16 min)

NATIONAL NEWS

• Jeremy Fowler (ESPN) Execs, coaches, scouts rank top NFL safeties for 2026. No Pats.
• Eva Geitheim, et al (SI) Ranking the 10 best NFL Tight Ends for 2026. No Pats.
• Bill Barnwell (ESPN) 2026 NFL trade tiers: Players worth Round 1 picks by team. Patriots included.
• Carter Bahns (CBS Sports) Notable NFL injuries to monitor as training camps open. Drake Maye included.
• Matt Verderame (SI) Super Bowl LXI Road Map: Don’t rule out the Titans winning the AFC South.
• Breer Report (SI) Mailbag Questions: Joe Burrow a Tier 1 QB? Bo Nix criticism, salary cap. (9 min. video)
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) The practical window for trading George Pickens has closed, too.
• Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports) Everyone is asking the wrong question about Brandon Aiyuk.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Stefon Diggs is dealing with multiple civil lawsuits.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Federal court rejects yet another attempt by NFL to send Brian Flores case to arbitration